Page 39 of Eternal Mate

With our objectives clear, we delved into the planning and preparation phase. Our strong wills fueled our every move as we gathered intelligence, identified weaknesses, and formulated a strategy to dismantle the reign of Tarragon and Blossom.

When the day faded to night, we had the beginnings of a plan. Auren wanted to go through everything and verify with his people that getting in and out of the Free Kingdom palace could be an easy and painless task.

Knowing our luck, I doubted that.

"Don't be such a pessimist," Sariel said with a chuckle, reading my thoughts.

I glared, pouting a bit as we stalked into our apartment. The door bounced off his hand when I swung it closed on him, which earned a sputtering sound from my mate.

A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he playfully rubbed his hand, pretending to nurse an injury from the door's unexpected bounce. I couldn't help but let out a giggle; the sound escaped me despite my best efforts to remain composed.

"Oh, come on," he teased, voice laced with amusement. "Are you trying to punish me for being overly optimistic?"

I raised an eyebrow, my lips curling into a sly smile. "Maybe," I replied, feigning innocence. "But you know, a little bruise never hurt anyone."

I eyed his faux injury pointedly, smirking.

Sariel stepped closer, his gaze intensifying as it locked with mine. "Is that so?" he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that sent shivers down my spine. "Well, pup, be careful what you wish for. You might just find yourself at my mercy soon."

His words held a subtle undertone of seduction, igniting a spark within me.

With a twinkle in my eye, I boldly stepped forward, closing the distance between us. Our bodies were almost touching; I could feel the heat radiating from his skin, the magnetic pull between us growing stronger with each passing second.

A playful flicker in his eyes, he gently brushed his fingertips along the curve of my cheek, tracing a light path down my neck. The touch sent a rush of electricity through my veins, and I couldn't help but lean into his touch, craving more.

As the air crackled with anticipation, Sariel leaned in, his lips grazing mine in a featherlight kiss that left me yearning for more. We lingered there for a moment, savoring that sweetness, before he pulled away, his eyes locked with mine.

"You have a way of turning the tables, don't you?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. A smirk played at the corners of Sariel's lips as he leaned in again, his breath mingling with mine.

As his lips brushed against mine once more, a soft moan escaped me, betraying my hunger for him.

"You tease," I grumbled when he pulled away completely, smug as he locked the door and gave me a coy look.

"Me? Never."

His laughter echoed down the apartment hallway. I heard a door click, followed swiftly by the sound of running water.

I shivered at the sound, remembering the last time the pair of us had ended up in the shower together.

We could have an encore if you're fast enough, Sariel teased down the bond, and my thighs clenched at the bolt of arousal that filtered through me.

I promptly headed to our bedroom to get ready for bed, ignoring his cackling as I passed the bathroom.

I closed the door to our bedroom and took a moment to collect myself, the heat from Sariel's touch still lingering on my skin. Anticipation and desire surged through me, my body humming with nervousness and excitement. As I changed into my sleepwear, my mind raced with thoughts of what the night might hold.

I undressed slowly, relishing the feeling of the fabric sliding off my skin, each piece of clothing falling to the floor in a silent declaration of surrender. As I stood there, bared and vulnerable, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence wash over me.

With a final glance at myself in the mirror, I took a deep breath and approached the bed.

The sheets were cool against my skin as I slid between them, the soft fabric embracing me in its comfort. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a small bedside lamp, which cast a warm glow that added to the intimacy of the moment.

As I laid there, my mind wandered to the journey that had brought us here. Sariel had become more than just my mate; he was my confidant, my partner in crime. If someone had told me what we would become when I met the man, I would have laughed in their face.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice the sound of the bathroom door opening, nor the soft padding of footsteps approaching the bed. It was only when Sariel's warm breath caressed the nape of my neck that I became aware of his presence.

His touch was gentle at first, his fingertips tracing invisible patterns along the curve of my spine. Goosebumps erupted across my skin, and I let out a sigh of contentment as his hand moved lower, teasingly grazing the small of my back.

The eagerness built within me, a delicious ache that begged to be satisfied.

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